Moving from Gainesville to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 88 for Gainesville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Gainesville lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Gainesville | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,727 |
| $50K | $47,159 |
| $60K | $56,591 |
| $75K | $70,739 |
| $80K | $75,455 |
| $100K | $94,318 |
| $120K | $113,182 |
| $150K | $141,477 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Gainesville vs Dayton
| Expense | Gainesville | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $361 | $361 |
| Transport | $55 | $60 |
| Utilities | $185 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,780 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Gainesville?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 88 for Gainesville (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Gainesville to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Gainesville to Dayton could save roughly $220/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,640/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Gainesville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Gainesville, you'd need roughly $70,739/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only